Top 10 Process Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for a process consultant in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field. By obtaining certifications, process consultants can prove to employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to be successful in their roles. Certifications also help employers to differentiate between candidates and make sure they are hiring someone who is qualified for the job. Additionally, certifications allow process consultants to stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have taken the time and effort to gain additional skills and knowledge.

This article reviews the top certifications for Process Consultants, and explains how they can help to enhance a process consultant's professional development and career growth.

What are Process Consultant Certifications?

Process consultant certification is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and experience of individuals who provide advice and guidance to clients on how to improve their business processes. It is awarded by independent organizations such as the Association for Process Management (APM) or the International Institute for Process Consultants (IIPC).

The process consultant certification can help professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of process management. It can also serve as a way to differentiate themselves from other consultants in the market. Additionally, it can be used as a tool to gain credibility with potential employers or clients.

Process consulting is an important tool for businesses looking to improve their operations and make them more efficient. By having certified process consultants, companies can benefit from their expertise in areas such as process improvement, process design, project management, change management, quality assurance, risk management and more. Certified process consultants are knowledgeable about industry best practices and have proven experience in implementing successful business transformation initiatives.

By obtaining process consultant certification, individuals are able to better understand how to apply best practices within an organization’s specific context. They also learn how to use various tools and techniques in order to measure progress towards desired outcomes while helping ensure that any changes being made are implemented correctly and efficiently. This ultimately leads to increased productivity, cost savings, improved customer satisfaction levels and increased profitability for businesses.

Pro Tip: Always ensure that your process consultant certification is up to date and valid. It is important to keep your certification current so that you can demonstrate to potential clients that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required for process consulting. Additionally, staying on top of any new trends or developments in the industry will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Related: What does a Process Consultant do?

Top 10 Process Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Process Consultants today.

1. Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This certification provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in process design engineering.

The CPDE program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as process design fundamentals, process system design, process control, safety and risk management, and project management. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CPDE program. Candidates must first register for the program with ASME and pay a fee of $500 USD. Once registered, candidates can access the online course materials and take the exam when they are ready.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of three hours. A passing score on the exam is required to become certified as a Process Design Engineer. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official certificate from ASME.

2. Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP)

Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in business process management. The CBPP certification is offered by the Association of Business Process Professionals (ABPMP).

The CBPP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of process design, process analysis, process improvement, and process optimization. To be eligible for the CBPP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in business process management or related fields.

In order to obtain the CBPP certification, candidates must first complete an online application form and submit it to ABPMP. After submitting the application, they must take and pass a written exam that covers topics such as business process fundamentals, process modeling techniques, project management principles, and more. Candidates will then be required to submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their knowledge and experience in business process management.

The cost for the CBPP certification is $495 USD. It typically takes four to six weeks for applications to be processed and approved by ABPMP. Once approved, candidates can take the exam at any time within one year from their approval date.

3. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced business analysts in areas such as requirements management, stakeholder engagement, process improvement, and solution assessment.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the CBAP exam. Candidates must have at least 7500 hours of business analysis experience within the last 10 years, as well as 21 hours of professional development activities within the last four years.

To get certified, candidates must first register with IIBA and pay an application fee. They then need to complete an online application form and submit it along with their supporting documents. Once approved, they can take the exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions over a three-hour period. The exam fee is $325 USD for members or $450 USD for non-members.

Once candidates pass the exam, they will receive their CBAP certification from IIBA. The certification is valid for three years after which time recertification must be completed in order to maintain it.

4. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)

Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the principles and practices of Six Sigma. It is designed to measure an individual's knowledge of the body of knowledge associated with the Six Sigma methodology, which includes process improvement, project management, team dynamics, problem-solving techniques, statistical analysis, and other related topics.

It typically takes approximately three to four months to complete the training required for CSSBB certification. The training consists of classroom instruction, online courses, and hands-on experience. After completing the training program, applicants must pass a rigorous exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

In order to become certified as a CSSBB, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time work experience in a leadership role within an organization that uses or applies Six Sigma principles and methods; or having completed a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training Program from an accredited provider; or having completed at least five projects using Six Sigma methodology.

The cost of obtaining CSSBB certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, programs range from $2,000 - $4,000 USD.

5. Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB)

Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (CLSSMBB) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise and knowledge in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved mastery of the Lean Six Sigma principles and techniques.

The CLSSMBB certification requires experience in leading complex projects, teaching and mentoring others, and demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills. To become certified, applicants must complete a rigorous training program that includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and passing a comprehensive exam.

The length of time it takes to get the CLSSMBB certification depends on the applicant's experience level and commitment to learning. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification.

In order to get certified as a CLSSMBB, applicants must first complete a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt course. Once they have completed this course, they must then pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC. After passing the exam, applicants must then demonstrate their proficiency in leading complex projects by completing at least one project using Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques.

The cost of getting certified as a CLSSMBB varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 for a comprehensive program that includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and exam fees.

6. Certified Process Improvement Professional (CPIP)

Certified Process Improvement Professional (CPIP) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in process improvement and quality management. The CPIP certification provides recognition of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to process improvement, quality management, and organizational excellence.

To become a Certified Process Improvement Professional (CPIP), an individual must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as process improvement tools and techniques, quality management systems, organizational excellence models, and project management principles. The exam takes about three hours to complete and has a passing score of 70%.

The cost of the CPIP certification varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States, the cost is $375 for members of ASQ or $450 for non-members. Other countries may have different fees associated with the CPIP certification.

Once you have passed the CPIP exam, you will receive your official certificate from ASQ. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it by retaking the exam or completing continuing education credits.

7. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead quality improvement initiatives within their organization.

To become certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as quality management principles, process analysis and improvement, customer satisfaction, problem solving and data analysis. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a quality-related field or have completed an ASQ approved training program. Applicants are also required to submit proof of their education and/or professional experience.

The cost of the CQIA certification exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $299 USD plus applicable taxes.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is one of the most sought-after certifications in the field of project management, and it is designed to recognize and validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in managing projects. To become certified as a PMP, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to the PMI’s Code of Ethics.

To obtain the PMP certification, an individual must have at least 4500 hours of experience leading and directing projects over the course of their career. Additionally, they must have 35 hours of formal project management education. Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as project integration management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communications management, risk management, procurement management and more.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI; non-members pay $555 while members pay $405. The exam itself takes approximately four hours to complete. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official certificate within four weeks.

Overall obtaining your PMP certification is a lengthy process that requires dedication and hard work but it is well worth it in terms of career advancement potential.

9. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized certification that provides an understanding of the ITIL framework and how it can be used to improve IT service management. It is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the best practices for IT service management, as well as those who want to gain a better understanding of how to apply ITIL principles in their organization.

The certification consists of a two-day classroom course or an online self-paced course. The classroom course typically takes place over two days and covers all the topics necessary to pass the exam. The online self-paced course allows learners to work at their own pace and complete the course within six months.

To get certified, you must pass the ITIL Foundation Exam, which consists of 40 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 26 questions correctly (65%) in order to pass the exam. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center or online through ProctorU.

The cost of the ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you choose a classroom or online self-paced course. Generally, the cost ranges from $150-$500 USD for both options.

10. Agile Scrum Master Certification

Agile Scrum Master Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Agile Scrum Masters. It is based on the Agile methodology, which emphasizes collaboration, self-organization, and continual improvement. The certification is offered by several organizations and can be obtained in a variety of ways.

The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete depending on the organization offering it. In order to obtain the certification, individuals must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as Agile principles and values, Scrum roles and responsibilities, product backlogs, sprint planning, retrospectives, and more. After completion of the courses, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining an Agile Scrum Master Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 - $2,000 USD for all course materials and exams needed to receive the certification. Some organizations may also offer discounts or other incentives for those who choose to pursue their certification through them.

In addition to taking courses and passing exams in order to obtain an Agile Scrum Master Certification, some organizations may also require individuals to have prior experience working with Agile teams or projects before they are eligible for certification. This requirement helps ensure that those who receive this certification have a good understanding of how Agile works in practice.

Overall, obtaining an Agile Scrum Master Certification can be beneficial for those looking to further their career in project management or software development as it demonstrates their commitment to learning new processes and techniques that will help them succeed in these fields.

Do You Really Need a Process Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. For some people, a process consultant certificate may be necessary in order to obtain a job or advance in their current career. Process consultants help organizations identify problems and develop solutions that lead to improved performance. A certificate can demonstrate expertise in process consulting, which may be beneficial when applying for positions or advancing within an organization.

However, for some individuals, a process consultant certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the individual's experience and knowledge, it may be possible to obtain a job as a process consultant without any formal certification. In addition, if the individual already has experience working with processes or has taken classes related to business management or operations, they may have enough knowledge and understanding of the field to begin working as a process consultant without obtaining an official certificate.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a process consultant certificate in order to pursue their career goals. Those who are just starting out in the field may benefit from investing in certification courses and programs that provide them with valuable knowledge and skills related to process consulting. On the other hand, those who already have experience in the field or have obtained relevant education through classes or seminars may be able to find success without obtaining an official certification.

Related: Process Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Process Consultant Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Process Consultant?

Answer: Becoming a Process Consultant can provide numerous benefits such as improved job prospects, higher salaries, increased credibility, and the opportunity to work with a variety of clients.

2. How do I become a certified Process Consultant?

Answer: In order to become a certified Process Consultant, you must complete an accredited training program and pass the examination administered by your chosen certification body.

3. What is the duration of the certification process?

Answer: The duration of the process will depend on your chosen certification body, however most certifications take around one year to complete.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified Process Consultant?

Answer: Most certifications require that you have at least two years of relevant experience in process consulting or related fields before taking the exam.

5. Is there any ongoing training required to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that you participate in ongoing professional development activities in order to maintain your status as a certified Process Consultant.